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What is the London waterfront?
Although it’s easy to think of the London waterfront as just a facade to hide the magically secluded Wizarding World behind it, this area is actually an attraction in and of itself, replete with some of the most beautiful – and authentic! – theming to be seen anywhere in Orlando. When added with photo-ops, live entertainment, food stands, and exclusive merchandise, this is a spot that will take up much more of your time than you thought.
Where is the London waterfront located?
In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which is in Universal Studios Florida.
London waterfront – height restrictions and other factors
Since this is just a walk-through area of the park, and not an actual attraction, there are absolutely no restrictions of any kind.
London waterfront – what you wish you knew before you experienced it
Just how many Easter eggs there are! From Kreacher the house-elf to phoning the Ministry of Magic, there’s more to do in muggle London than just enjoying the peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
Speaking of which…
What to see at the London waterfront
Grimmauld Place
Number 12 Grimmauld Place is the ancestral (and fictional) home of Sirius Black’s family from the Harry Potter series. Here, you can spot Diagon Alley’s first Easter egg: Kreacher the house-elf peeking out from behind the curtains of a window every few moments.
King’s Cross Station
This is where passengers of the Hogwarts Express enter and exit. You’ll also find street buskers periodically stationed outside (and inside!) of King’s Cross Station to greet all the newcomers to muggle London. Playing instruments that range from violins and guitars to saxophones, these musicians boast a repertoire of roughly 100 different songs, including Christmas music for the holidays.
Charing Cross Road
Home to that muggle contraption called an ATM and The Leaky Cauldron (not an actual entrance).
Leicester Square
Muggles can find the true entrance to Diagon Alley here.
Wyndham’s Theatre
This façade hides the Wizarding World’s exit.
Eros Fountain and the Knight Bus
In the center of the London waterfront is Eros Fountain from Piccadilly Circus, and a fully detailed Knight Bus prop is parked right next to it. Although you can’t climb aboard, you can look inside and take pictures of the highly detailed props, including the chandelier from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. A conductor is stationed here to interact and take pictures with, along with the Dre Head, the shrunken head hanging above the dashboard.
What was the London waterfront’s opening date?
July 8, 2014
London waterfront – OI fun fact
Want to know what those peculiarly British cabmen’s shelters are? You should, if only to help make your awe of the London waterfront all the more complete. Luckily for you, we have that explanation right here:
The drivers of hackney carriages (taxis) weren’t allowed to leave their vehicles while on the clock, so the Earl of Shaftesbury headed a philanthropic effort called the Cabman’s Shelter Fund to create the very first drive-through food stops, offering “good and wholesome refreshments at moderate prices.” But because these structures were located on public highways, the police stipulated that they weren’t allowed to be any larger than a horse and cart.
Sixty-one shelters were erected between 1875 and 1914, with only 13 still left standing all throughout London today. If you’d like to take in Florida’s homage to this UK vestige (hey – it’s like another Easter egg tucked away in the Wizarding World), just be aware that the 19th-century rules strictly prohibiting gambling, drinking, and swearing might still be enforced.
London waterfront – photo gallery
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- Carkitt Market at Universal Studios Florida
- Diagon Alley Shopping at Universal Studios Florida
- Eternelle’s Elixir of Refreshment (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour at Universal Studios Florida
- Globus Mundi at Universal Studios Florida
- Gringotts Money Exchange at Universal Studios Florida
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida
- Horizont Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Knockturn Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- London Taxi Hut (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- London Taxi Hut Store at Universal Studios Florida
- London Waterfront at Universal Studios Florida
- Madam Malkin’s Robes for all Occasions at Universal Studios Florida
- Magical Menagerie at Universal Studios Florida
- Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Owl Post in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
- Quality Quidditch Supplies at Universal Studios Florida
- Shutterbutton’s at Universal Studios Florida
- Sugarplum’s Sweet Shop at Universal Studios Florida
- Tales of Beedle the Bard & Celestina Warbeck at Universal Studios Florida
- The Fountain of Fair Fortune (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort
- The Hopping Pot (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- Wands by Gregorovitch at Universal Studios Florida
- Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes at Universal Studios Florida
- Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment at Universal Studios Florida